Splash guard

ABSTRACT

A splash guard for protecting a person&#39;s eyes, nose and ears from soap and other hairdressing preparations, such as shampoo, applied to a person&#39;s hair is provided having a body encircling a part of a person&#39;s head above the person&#39;s eyes, nose and ears. A sealing member preferably prevents the flow of water or hairdressing preparations between the splash guard and the head of the person. A gripping element is preferably provided to facilitate positioning and maintaining the splash guard in position. A securing mechanism can also be provided to help retain the splash guard in position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/091,655, filed on Apr. 25, 2008, titled “SPLASH GUARD,” which is a national stage application under 35 U.S.C. 371 based on and claiming the benefit of International Application Serial No. PCT/US06/42037 filed on Oct. 30, 2006 and the benefit of priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/262,872 filed on Oct. 31, 2005, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,310,827 on Dec. 25, 2007, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a hairwashing apparatus, and more specifically to a splash guard for protecting a person's eyes, ears and nose from soap and other hairdressing preparations, such as shampoo.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Soap guards and face protective shields or visors have been known. They are normally provided to guard against water, soap, or shampoo from entering the eyes, nose and ears of the person whose hair is being washed. While such devices have conventionally been considered to be “beauty shop” equipment, it has also become of interest to protect against irritation, inconvenience and possible detrimental effects of soap or hairdressing preparations entering the eyes, nose or ears when hair is washed in the home and shampooing fluids, for example, trickle down the face causing unnecessary inconvenience and annoyance, including wetting items of clothing. While a number of known splash guards or shields include visors that can in theory be held or gripped by a person doing the washing, these are not designed for that purpose and are difficult to grip, particularly in the presence of water, soap and other hair washing preparations that tend to make them wet and slippery. Attention is directed, for example, to the following U.S. patents: 1. U.S. Pat. No. 772,763 to Walters; 2. U.S. Pat. No. 2,424,352 to Conjurske; 3. U.S. Pat. No. 2,600,392 to Cancel', 4. U.S. Pat. No. 4,481,680 to Mason et al.; and 5. U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,218 to Kuhlman et al.; 6. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,584,984 and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0129831, both to Kelly.

The '763 patent is for a mounted device with a full head ring, a wide front visor and a chute-type rear drape. The '352 patent is for a flexible padded horseshoe band with a wide visor and ear cups. The '392 patent is for a device similar to the '763 device. The '680 patent is for an adjustable head-ring-type visor with a gutter that drains to the rear. The '218 patent is for a horseshoe shaped visor made of foam and with a rear clamp. The '984 patent and '831 patent application are for horseshoe shaped headbands with a gutter that drains to the rear.

However, a problem with the known shields or splash guards that the inventors discovered is that they do not include a handle or hand grip that can be conveniently and firmly gripped, for example, by the person doing the washing so that the device can be properly stabilized and held in place, even in a wet and slippery environment, and so that adequate pressure can be applied to the splash guard to maintain it on the head of a child, for example, even if the child moves or is less than fully cooperative while the child's hair is being washed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a splash guard that is simple in construction and economical to manufacture.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a splash guard that is easy and convenient to use.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a splash guard that is effective in keeping water, soap and other irritating hairwashing preparations out of the eyes, nose and ears of a person whose hair is being washed.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a splash guard as in the aforementioned objects that includes a handgrip or handle that can be conveniently and effectively gripped to maintain the desired position of the splash guard on the head of the person whose hair is being washed notwithstanding the fact that the splash guard and/or the handgrip itself may be wet or slippery.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a splash guard of the type of the discussion that includes outward extensions of the lateral portions thereof extending above the ear for accommodating at least a portion of the ears to render the splash guard more comfortable while providing a seal about the entire periphery wherein contact takes place between the splash guard and the skin of the person whose hair is being washed.

Another object of the invention is to provide a securing mechanism for retaining the splash guard on the head of the person whose hair is being washed.

In order to achieve the above objects, as well as others which will become apparent hereinafter, a splash guard in accordance with the present invention for protecting a person's eyes, nose and ears from soap and other hairdressing preparations, such as shampoo, applied to a person's hair can include a generally crescent or U-shaped member formed and dimensioned to generally conform to and circumferentially encircle a part of the head of the first person whose hair is to be washed and a gripping member. An exemplary embodiment of the splash guard can also include a securing mechanism for securing the splash guard in place on the first person's head. The splash guard can also include a central portion positioned on the first person's forehead above the person's eyes. First and second opposed arcuate side or lateral portions can extend from the central portion to a position above and rearwardly of the person's ears. The central and lateral portions generally define upper and lower edges when supported on the head of the person whose hair is being washed. Sealing means are preferably secured to an inner surface of the member proximate to the lower edge and at least partially spaced from the upper edge in extending substantially along the entire peripheral distance of said member for providing a seal about the peripheral distance with the skin of the first person along the entire length of contact and having a thickness to form a trough about said peripheral distance to direct water and soap and hair preparations laterally and rearwardly away from said central portion and not downwardly drip towards the eyes, nose and ears of the first person along the area of contact of said sealing means. A handgrip is preferably provided on said central portion dimensioned to be easily gripped by a second person washing the hair of the first person. In this manner, the second person can secure the splash guard on the head of the first person in a desired position to prevent excessive shifting of the splash guard while the first person's hair is being washed and can apply suitable pressure on said member to ensure that hair washing preparations flow through and are discharged along regions behind the first person's ears.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various further objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will be fully appreciated as the invention is better understood in light of the accompanying figures, in which like reference numbers or characters designate the same or similar parts within the figures, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side clevational view of a splash guard in accordance with the present invention, as shown supported on the head of a person whose hair is about to be washed;

FIG. 2 is similar to FIG. 1 but showing the splash guard partially broken away to show the internal trough or channel that is created between the splash guard and the head of the person wearing the splash guard, and furthermore showing water being poured on the person's head and water running off and being discharged at the rear of the person's head behind the ears;

FIG. 3 is the cross-sectional view of one of the arcuate lateral side portions of the splash guard, taken along line 3-3;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the splash guard as supported on the head of the person whose hair is being washed and also showing the handle being gripped by the person washing the hair to secure the splash guard in place and making sure that a proper and complete seal is developed between the splash guard and the head;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the splash guard as shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the splash guard as shown in FIG. 4 showing the general orientation of the splash guard and the relative position of the handle for conveniently gripping and supporting the splash guard in a desired orientation;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a splash guard in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a splash guard in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a splash guard in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a splash guard in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a splash guard in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a splash guard in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring specifically to the figures, in which identical or similar parts are designated by the same reference numerals throughout, and first referring to FIG. 1, a splash guard in accordance with the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 10. The splash guard is designed and adapted for protecting a person's eyes, nose and ears from soap and other hairdressing preparations, such as shampoo, applied to a person's hair while it is being washed. In the interest of convenience, the person whose hair is being washed, treated, etc. will be referred to as the “first person” and the person washing, treating the first person's hair, etc. will be referred to as the “second person”.

The splash guard 10 can include a generally crescent-shaped or U-shaped body 12 preferably formed and dimensioned to generally conform to and circumferentially encircle a part of the head of the first person, whose hair is to be washed or treated. It is contemplated, therefore, that such a splash guard can be formed in one or more different sizes to accommodate the heads of children as well as adults.

In the embodiment illustrated, the body 12 includes a front portion 14 preferably dimensioned to be positioned on the first person's forehead above the first person's eyes as is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The body 12 can include a first and second opposed arcuate lateral or side portions 16R, positioned along the right side of the first person's head, and 16L positioned on the left side of the first person's head, generally extending along the temples of the head. As indicated, the opposed arcuate side or lateral portions 16R, 16L preferably extend from the front portion 14 to a position above the first person's ears and further extends toward the read of the first person's head.

The portions 14, 16R and 16L, together forming the body 12, can generally define an upper edge 16 a and lower edge 16 b when supported on the first person's head, these portions simulating, in cross-section, a generally upright arcuate wall, as best as shown in FIG. 2. As will be more fully discussed hereinafter, the portions forming the body 12 may be provided with various enhancements and surface features that are optional insofar as the operation of the splash guard is concerned. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the front portion 14 is shown as having an enlarged or upwardly projecting portion 18 extending beyond the upper edge 16 a of lateral portions 16R, 16L. Projection portion 18 preferably helps to prevent spillage of water over front portion 14 on the face when water is poured on the head.

A seal 20 is preferably provided on body 12 to prevent the flow of water, shampoo, etc. between body 12 and the first person's head. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, seal 20 is secured to an inner surface of the body 12 proximate to the lower edge 16 b and at least partially spaced from the upper edge 16 a. Seal 20 preferably extends substantially along the entire peripheral distance of the body 12 and provides a seal between the body 12 and the skin of the person along the entire length of contact. An exemplary embodiment of the seal 20 has a sufficient or adequate thickness to form a trough 24 about the peripheral distance to direct water, soap and/or other hair preparations laterally away from the front portion 14 while preventing downward dripping towards the eyes, nose and cars of the first person along the area of contact of the seal.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the body 12 is produced as a molded member of relatively rigid but somewhat flexible material, such as plastic. Thus, the lateral portions 60R and 60L can be at least slightly deflected outwardly when the splash guard is placed on the head and subsequently resiliently spring back in order to apply a gentle but retaining force to maintain the body 12 in place on the head of the first person. The seal 20, in this regard, is preferably a continuous strip of compressible material, such as foam, that can conform to the specific shape of the head and compensate for any deviations between the shape of the head and the shape of the body 12.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a handgrip or handle 26 mounted on the front portion 14. Handle 26 can extend outward away from front portion 14 or alternatively be mounted by means of a post or spacer 28 to separate the handle 26 from the front portion 14. The handgrip or handle 26 is preferably configured and dimensioned to be easily gripped by the second person doing the washing or treating of the hair of the first person wearing the splash guard. The spacer 28 can be provided, as shown, between the front portion 14 and the handgrip or handle 26 to space the handgrip from the front portion 14 and create a clearance or space 30 suitable for receiving and accommodating the fingers of the person gripping the splash guard. The space 30 can facilitate the second person to grip the handgrip or handle 26 by encircling his or her fingers about the handgrip or handle 26 with comfort and convenience. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the spacer or post 28 is provided proximate to the lower edge 16 b of front portion 14, with the handgrip or handle 26 projecting upwardly from the spacer.

The handgrip or handle 26 can be generally elongated and as illustrated, can extend generally away from the front portion 14 in a direction away from the spacer 28. However, it is to be understood that the described construction is not critical and any suitable handgrip or handle 26 can be provided and attached to any portion of the body 12, preferably such that the handle 26 can be suitably gripped to control the position of the splash guard on the head of the first person. More preferably, handle 26 can help control and maintain the splash guard in position even when the handle or handgrip is wet and slippery.

Additionally, regardless of where the handle 26 is placed or its specific configuration, handle 26 preferably has the ability to perform two functions. Firstly, it preferably allows the second person doing the washing to reliably secure the splash guard and maintain it in a desired position, and preferably also to move it as necessary with movements of the head, so that the splash guard is normally or typically maintained in the same relative position shown in the figures. Secondly, however, the handle is preferably arranged such that the second person administering the washing can apply a gentle but adequate pressure on the body 12 to ensure that the seal created by the seal 20, such as a strip of sponge material, is maintained while not excessively compressing the seal 20. Excessively compressing the seal 20 may create discomfort to the first person, who is wearing the splash guard, and may further reduce the dimensions, more particularly the volume of the trough 24. If the volume of the trough is excessively decreased, the water may not run off or be discharged quickly enough, and the level of water in the trough may rise excessively and spill over the upper edge 16 a, thereby defeating the purpose of the splash guard. Accordingly, it is preferable to avoid excessively decreasing the volume of the trough.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, each of the arcuate or lateral side portions 16R, 16L are provided with an outward extension 32 proximate the lower edge 16 b of each of the lateral side portions. The extensions 32 preferably at least partially cover the ears of the first person, whose hair is being washed. By deflecting outwardly in this manner, the extensions 32 may assist in providing a continuous seal and a substantially uniform trough 24.

An optional feature of the invention is providing at least one decorative element on the body 12 to simulate a different object. One object may be one that is normally worn on the head, such as a crown. However, such decorative elements may simulate, for example, the shape of an animal figurine, a cartoon character, a sports team logo etc.

As will be evident from the above description, the splash guard in accordance with the present invention can be easily used both by hairdressers in a salon as well as by a parent at home to wash the hair of a child without exposing the child to irritating and unpleasant exposure to soap, shampoos, and other hair grooming chemicals and products. Additionally, the splash guard can be constructed and arranged to be controlled and maintained in position by the first person rather than the second person without deviating from the scope of the invention. Alternatively, a third person can control the position of the splash guard.

Reference is made to FIG. 7, wherein another embodiment of the invention is illustrated. As shown, the splash guard can include body 12 and a securing mechanism 40 constructed and arranged to secure body 12 on the first person's head. More preferably, securing mechanism 40 is preferably adjustable to adapt to the size of the first person's head. In the embodiment shown, securing mechanism comprises a coil 42 having two opposite ends attached to body 12. Preferably, each end of coil 42 is attached to one of the lateral members 16L, 16R. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, coil 42 is not fixed to lateral members 16L, 16R, but rather, can slide through corresponding apertures in lateral members 16L, 16R. Thus, the length of coil 42 between lateral members 16L, 16R can be adjusted. For example, coil 42 can be pulled to adjust its position with respect to lateral members 16L, 16R.

Thus, coil 42 can be expanded by pulling apart the two opposite ends directly or by pulling apart the lateral members 16L, 16R. Coil 42 is preferably urged to contract in the absence of an expanding force. Accordingly, after expanding to fit over the first person's head, coil 42 can contract to pull the lateral members 16L, 16R toward each other, thus reducing the area between lateral members 16L, 16R. Therefore, coil 42 can preferably increase the force exerted on seal 20, thus enhancing the sealing effect of seal 20 on the head.

Furthermore, securing mechanism 40 can facilitate maintaining the splash guard in position, and more preferably prevents the splash guard from inadvertently being removed from the head. If, for example, the splash guard is pulled forward away from the head, the securing mechanism 40 can prevent the removal of the splash guard from the head.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, securing mechanism 40 is made of a material that can withstand water and more preferably shampoo and other hair products. For example, securing mechanism 40 can be a plastic member, preferably a molded plastic member. Additionally, securing mechanism 40 can be removable according to the preference of the user. For example, referring to FIG. 7 wherein securing member 40 comprises a coil having two ends inserted into corresponding apertures in the corresponding lateral member 16L, 16R, the coil can be pulled out. Alternatively, mounting assemblies can be used to mount securing member 40 onto body 12, preferably to removably mount securing member 40 to body 12.

It is to be understood that alternate embodiments of securing mechanism 40 can be provided without deviating from the scope of the invention. For example, elastic straps, adjustable straps having various lengths at which they can be connected, such as predetermined snap positions, via trying, clipping, etc. can be provided.

Additionally, handle 26 can be varied as a matter of application specific design choice. For example, handle 26 can include a loop 51 as shown in FIG. 7, an elongated aperture 52 within body 12 as shown in FIG. 8 through which a person can insert a hand to grasp body 12, an outwardly or inwardly extending lip 53A, 53B as shown in FIGS. 9-10 which a person can grasp, are a few non-limiting examples of handle 26. The extending lip can be hollow as illustrated by lip 53A in FIG. 9 or solid as illustrated by lip 53B in FIG. 10. Alternatively, handle 26 can be a sleeve 54 or pocket like member.

Referring to FIGS. 11-12, wherein an embodiment of such a sleeve 54 is shown, sleeve 54 can be provided on one or more sides of body 12. Sleeve 54 is preferably constructed and arranged to receive a hand of a person, preferably the second person, such that the inserted hand can assist in stabilizing and positioning the splash guard on the first person's head. Sleeve 54 can have be closed at one end as shown in FIG. 11 or open at two opposing ends as shown in FIG. 12. Preferably, sleeve 54 and body 12 are constructed and arranged such that the second person may feel like he is holding the first person's head. A third person not treating the first person's hair may hold the splash guard by inserting each hand into one sleeve 54 on either side of body 12, which can provide a more stable positioning of body 12 on the first person's head. Alternatively, sleeves 54 can be arranged such that the first person can hold the splash guard in place. For example, rather than opening sideways, sleeves 54 can open vertically to permit vertical positioning of hands through sleeves 54. It is to be understood that alternate embodiments of handle 26 can be provided without deviating from the scope of the invention.

Although the present invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will, of course, be understood that various changes and modifications may be made in the form, details, and arrangements of the parts without departing from the scope of the invention set forth in the following claims. 

1. A splash guard for protecting a person's eyes, nose and ears from soap and other hairdressing preparations, such as shampoo, applied to a person's hair, the splash guard comprising: a body constructed and arranged to generally conform to and circumferentially encircle at least a part of a first person's head above the first person's eyes and ears; a sealing member along the body so as to prevent the flow of water between the sealing member and the head of the first person; a grip constructed and arranged to be grasped by a second person to facilitate positioning of the splash guard on the first person's head; and a securing mechanism connected to the body, the securing mechanism constructed and arranged to retain the splash guard in position on the first person's head.
 2. The splash guard of claim 1, wherein the securing mechanism has an adjustable length.
 3. The splash guard of claim 1, wherein the securing mechanism comprises a coil.
 4. The splash guard of claim 1, wherein the securing mechanism is removable from the body.
 5. The splash guard of claim 1, wherein the body has a generally crescent shape opening toward the back of the first person's head when the splash guard is positioned on the first person's head.
 6. A splash guard for protecting a person's eyes, nose and ears from soap and other hairdressing preparations, such as shampoo, applied to a person's hair, the splash guard comprising: a body constructed and arranged to generally conform to and circumferentially encircle at least a part of a first person's head above the first person's eyes and ears; a sealing member along the body so as to prevent the flow of water between the sealing member and the head of the first person; and a grip constructed and arranged to be grasped by a second person to facilitate positioning of the splash guard on the first person's head.
 7. The splash guard of claim 6, wherein the grip comprises an aperture in the body wherein the second person can insert one or more fingers through the aperture to grasp the body.
 8. The splash guard of claim 6, wherein the grip comprises protrusion extending outward from the body.
 9. The splash guard of claim 6, wherein the grip comprises an outwardly extending lip of the body, the lip constructed and arranged to be grasped by the second person.
 10. The splash guard of claim 6, wherein the grip comprises one or more sleeves on the body, wherein the second person can insert one or more fingers through the sleeve.
 11. The splash guard of claim 7, wherein the sleeve has a closed end such that the fingers of the second person inserted through the sleeve are enclosed.
 12. The splash guard of claim 6, wherein the grip is constructed and arranged for a third person to grasp to maintain the splash guard in position.
 13. The splash guard of claim 6, wherein the grip is constructed and arranged for the first person to grasp to maintain the splash guard in position.
 14. The splash guard of claim 6, wherein the grip is molded integrally with the body. 